Idol Re-Cap: Finals, Week Three

Only an hour-long show, so the songs will be mighty short, and that's no fun. The non-theme (songs from the 21st century) hopefully means that folks (Mandisa, Katharine, Taylor) can showcase what they do best.

Lisa Tucker - "Because of You" - I really like Kelly Clarkson's version of this song, but Lisa's version didn't blow me away. Is it me, or was she really flat? She seemed to concentrate so hard on E-MOT-ING that the singing part suffered. I almost felt a little sorry for her because Simon was so rough on her, but he was on the money, truth be told.
Kellie Dawn Pickler - "Suds In The Bucket" - She seemed hesitant to me, not to mention the fact that she sang through her nose the whole time (which was pretty accurate now that I think about it, because Sara Evans does the same thing in her version, which is really another post for another day). But it was bad. Really. Bad.
Ace Young - "Drops Of Jupiter" - One of my favorite songs, but speaking of singing through your nose...was he out of his range or what? And y'all - WHAT is going on with Ace's hair? It looks like he's slicking it down on the top and then poufing it out on the sides. Weird. And WHY WAS HE SHOWING HIS SCAR, for heaven's sake? The scar next to the BIG THICK CHAIN? I don't get it.
Taylor Hicks - "Trouble" - I've never heard this song before, but I like it. The only thing about it is that nobody knows the song - but he was good. I actually agreed with Paula - it was nice to see Taylor just stand behind the microphone and sing. David said that it sounded like the perfect movie montage song, which is an excellent call.
Mandisa - "Wanna Praise You" - Y'all! It's the "Shackles On My Feet" song! Look at Mandisa breaking out the praise and worship music. But I don't think the judges got it...it was a bold choice for her. And I don't think Mandisa's goal was for 40 million people to want to join the "Church of Mandisa," as Paula said. I think Mandisa was really trying to use her platform tonight, so good for her.
Chris Daughtry - "What If" - Well, he's consistent. But again, I'm a little tired of this one-note genre deal. I think it would be way more impressive if he would show some variety, some actual interpretation, instead of doing what feels like one cover after another. He's good at doing covers...but I'm starting to feel like he's not very original.
Katharine McPhee - "The Voice Within" - This was probably my least favorite performance by her. She's so good at subtlety, and I felt like she was over-singing (I guess that's appropriate seeing as how it's a Christina Aguilera song). After David heard her, he said, "It's gonna be one of those nights, isn't it? She's better than that song." But the judges liked it, so that's positive for her.
Bucky Covington - "Real Good Man" - Y'all, Bucky can't sing. And I feel it's a mistake to venture into Tim McGraw territory, because Tim can sing. And he's cute. And he has charisma.
Paris Bennett - "Work It Out" - Now that was just too much. And who would let their seventeen year old sing, "We can't make it to the bedroom, so we'll just hit the floor"? I'm a little offended. Seriously. Too much. And I agree with Simon: it was like a little girl pretending to be Beyonce'.
Elliot Yamin - "I Don't Want To Be" - I like the twist on a Gavin DeGraw song. This was probably my favorite performance of the night - I loved it. But again, Simon was right - the dancing was hideous. :-) Great fun, though.

What a lackluster night...I'm kind of disappointed. But I think part of the problem was that they had all of a minute to sing, so everything felt jumpy and disjointed. Eh.

Best of the night: Elliot
Should go: Pickler or Bucky
Will go: Lisa Tucker